Justice in times of armed conflict or in post- conflict situations does not fundamentally differ from justice in times of peace. The objective of justice is always to come to a decision with regard to a wrong committed by one individual to the detriment of another: to ascertain its severity, to impose punishment and, where necessary, to order reparations.

It is therefore essential that women be heard during peace processes and that they be involved in security sector and justice sector reforms. In a word, women must be full-fledged stakeholders rather than just spectators of reconstruction and peacebuilding.

In that context, one cannot but emphasize the importance of transitional justice. Not only does it allow the possibility to redress past wrongs, but it also affords an opportunity to transform women's situations, thereby guaranteeing lasting peace in a more egalitarian society.

I would add that, in the past year, we supported a Department of Peacekeeping Operations project aimed at bolstering the role of women in the maintenance and building of peace, specifically by holding a regional workshop in Liberia to provide women leaders working for peace and security in West Africa an opportunity to share their experiences and to strengthen their networks.

By adopting resolution 1325 (2000), 13 years ago, the Security Council set itself bold objectives. Resolution 2122 (2013), which we have just adopted today — thanks in particular to the efforts of the United Kingdom — allows us to make progress. It underscores in paricular the need for the Security Council to receive information more regularly with regard to the issue of women and peace and security.

We must pay greater attention to providing better support for victims, including by ensuring protection for witnesses, victims and justice officials, providing reparation mechanisms and ensuring the systematic inclusion of women in all aspects of conflict resolution. United Nations special representatives, peacekeeping and political missions and United Nations agencies have a much greater role to play.

Strengthening international and national justice responses to conflict-related violence against women is crucial. In the aftermath of conflict, it is vital to develop transitional justice mechanisms and institutions and to rebuild the rule of law to protect women's rights.

My delegation thanks Azerbaijan, as President for the month of October, for convening an open debate on women, peace and security. Lithuania welcomes the adoption of resolution 2122 (2013) today, which aims to streamline action within the United Nations system to implement resolution 1325 (2000) and other related decisions. It is important that the resolution clearly underlines the role of regional organizations and civil society.

In previous statements my delegation has already spoken about the importance of ensuring the empowerment of women. Their participation at all levels of economic, political and social life is as crucial to sustainable peace as it is to poverty reduction, economic recovery and sustainable development. We welcome the the Peacebuilding Commission's declaration on women's economic empowerment for peacebuilding.

Transitional justice cannot be a substitute for accountability. It should not limit the access of victims to reparations. Blanket amnesties cannot be extended to conflict-related sexual violence. We must pay greater attention to delivering reparation programmes and funding. We continue to support the wider Council practice of including sexual violence in the designation criteria for targeted sanctions.